Election 2024: NAPO condemns hate speech and religious bigotry

Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the running mate to NPP presidential candidate, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has strongly condemned what he described as religious bigotry from some politicians and members of the clergy, particularly against the Muslim community.

He cited the dangers this creeping culture of religious intolerance poses to Ghana’s enviable democracy as well as the prevailing religious harmony and the stability of the country.

According to Dr. Opoku Prempeh, who was speaking at a meeting with Zongo Chiefs at Alaba in the Manhyia South Constituency, on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, clergymen and politicians who campaign on religious lines instead of assessing the candidates’ vision and competence should be shunned by the voters.

He described such people as “nation-wreckers.”

He stated that “Political campaigns must be issues-based. Governance is a serious business, requiring leaders who are competent, hardworking, results-driven, and visionary. Poverty does not know religion. Joblessness does not know religion. Equally, good or bad governance does not know religion. Why then should religion be the yardstick for electing our leaders?”

NAPO, as he is popularly known, slammed the opposition National Democratic Congress for fueling such hate speech and religious bigotry.

He recalled some instances where NDC leading members, such as the party’s General Secretary, Fiifi Kwetey said “Muslims are unfit to lead this country.”

He also cited recent comments by Muntaka Mubarak on Zuria Radio that he (Muntaka Mubarak) and Haruna Iddrisu were sacked from the NDC front bench in Parliament as Minority Chief Whip and Minority Leader respectively because they are Muslims.

NAPO maintained that Ghanaians have generally demonstrated that they do not discriminate when it comes to the choice of leaders.

He emphasised that religious affiliation has never been a consideration for choosing leaders in Ghana, because “we always consider ourselves as one people with a common destiny and serving the same God.”

Dr. Opoku Prempeh is, however, confident that Ghanaians will vote massively for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to become their next president.

He stressed that not only is Dr. Bawumia competent and a visionary, he also has a proven track record of successfully spearheading numerous laudable development projects as vice president.

Meanwhile, watch John Mahama assure the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, that he and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) had no hand in the attack on his entourage at Techniman a few days ago:



Also, learn about the simple steps you will go through before casting your vote on December 7: